



Wa-sK-iftQ-ton. 



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A DIIS^COUKSE 



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Christian Cliaractcr and lufluenci^ 



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WASHINGTON 



DELIVERED IN RISING SUN, INDIANA, 



ox SABBATH, FEBRUARF 22, 1846. 



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71* 



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BT REV. B. F. inOBRIS, 

Pastor of the Presbyterian Church. 



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RISING SUN: 

riUfTBD AT TBS **IRDIAffA BLADB" OFFICK. 

1846. 









/ 

A DISCOURSE 




Off TBB 



Christian Character and Influence 



ov 



WASHINGTON, 



DELIVERED IN RISING SUN, INDIANA, 



ON SABBATH, FEBRUARY 22, i846. 



B¥ REV. B. F. niORRX§, 

Pastor of the Presbyterian Church* 



RISING SUN: 

rBINTSD AT TBE ^MNDIAITA BLADS" OfriCS, 

1846, 



kZ-t:- 









E3II 
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CORRESPONDENCE. 



Rising Sun, Fkbrdary 24, 1846. 
Re7. B. F. Morris: 

Dear Sir— Believing, as we do, that the 
publication of the Sermon delivered by you in the Main street 
l^redbyterian Church, on tlie 2Jd instant, on the UhrisLian (jhar- 
acier and Influence of Wasuinqton, would not only be acceptable 
to ttie public, but productive of good, we respectfully asli that 
you will furnisb a copy for that purpose. 

Hoping tbat it may accord with your own teelinga to comply 
with tliis request. 

We arci J)ear Sir, Respectfully Yours. 

A. HENDRICKS, 
JOHN TAIT, Jr. 
J. M. DANIELS. 
S. F. COVINGTON, 
DANIEL TAFLEY, 
MATTHiAS HAINES, 
JAMES H. PEFFEK, 
A, C, DOWNED, 
JOSHUA HAINES, 
ISRAEL EVANS. 
SAMUEL JELLEY. 
DAVID G.RAliS. 
J. T. WHITLOCK, 



Gentlemen: 



RisiNO Sun, Feb. 25, 1846. 



The discourse referred to in your note, a copy of 
which you request (or publication, is placed at your disposal. I 
truot your anticipations "that it will be acceptable to the public 
and productive of good," may be realized, which is the only reason 
why 1 yield to your request and judguiont. 

1 am, Gentlemen, truly, yours, 

B. F. MORRIS. 
To Messrs A. Hendricks, and others. 



DISCOURSE. 



Proverbs x. 7. 
The memory of the just is blessed. 



ADMiRATir/N for true excellence is a natural sen- 
timent of the soul. The conceptions of man, under 
any degree of propc^r cultivation, are for the true 
and great and no >le. He loves to gaze on the high- 
est and purest specirnens of taste, heauty, and great- 
ness. It IS a rich gratification to his nature, and 
elevating in ail its influences and results. JMerc; in- 
tellection is filled with adniir.ition, the refined sensi- 
bilities of the soul are exalte d : and the entire com- 
plex nature of man is thrilled with moral and intel- 
lectual delight, and ennobled in the conte nplation. 

That this is a natural sentiment and conception 
of man's nature, is obvious from the testimony of 
universal history and the inward cognitions of the 
heart. There is a deep inward spiritual admiration 
and reverence, paid as a willing tribute, to that 



6 

which is great, and noble, and true and beautiful, 
whether in art or nature, in intellt^ct or character. 
It challenges and secures the homage of tlie world. 
It is enshrined in the soul, and all the best capacities 
and feelings of man's nature yield a ready respect 
and reverence to them. 

History, faithtul in her delineations, presents for 
imitation, these specimens of moral beauty and 
greatness. Philosophy discourses in strains of in- 
tellectual sublimity, on their elements and grandeur. 
Poetry, in the flights of her enchanting genius, weaves 
her wreathes of roses, and with a graceful himd 
folds them round these true and glorious specimens 
of exalted moral ex'^ellence. Literature in all its 
departments, gives grace and fxaltation to their 
worth, and the entire manifestations of man are wil- 
ling to worship at the shrine ol greatness. 

This great sentiment of the soul — a sentiment 
attesting the native dignity of man — the benevolence 
and wisdom of God has fully met and gratified. 
It finds a noble and true response from him who 
implanted it; and who, in tho rich and boundless 
displays of His works, has given the most admirable 
and perfect specimens of taste, beauty and greatness. 

God's creation contemplated as a whole, or in the 
endless variety of its parts, is one vast conception, 
and outward embodiment of taste, and beauty, and 
skill, and greatness. The lofiiesT and truest illustra- 
tions, the most perfect and unrivaled specimens, 
have been, in the endless fields of nature, thrown 
out by God's own creating hand, for the intelligent 
admiration of His creatures. All is a vast panor- 
ama of beauty and taste and no matter to what 
region in the universe, or to what department of na- 
ture the eye of intelligence may be turned, the mind 
will discover, in forms of endless variety, these fin- 
ished obj(^cts of intellectual taste, combining every 
element of natural beauty and greatness, to gratify 



the sentiment of admiration. Thus, in the language 
of Thompson, in his poem on the seasons: 

"By swift decrees the love of Nature works 
And warms the bosom: till at last sublimed 
To rapture and enthusiastic heat. 
We feel tiie present Deity, and taste 
The joy of God, and see a happy world." 

But the physical universe, grand and beautiful as 
it is, is, after ail, an inferior department in God's 
creating kingdom. The intellectual and moral uni- 
verse, in the immensity of its relations and influen- 
ces; in ihe comprehensive grandeur of its design; in 
the infinite moral dignity and beauty of its concep- 
tion ; and in its glorious specimens of true mo^al and 
spiritual excellence, surpasses in attraftiveness, in 
interest, in actual relative importance, the grandeur 
of God's physical creation. 

The most admirable and perfect illustrations of 
truest taste, and truest greatness, are, after all, found 
in the intellectual and moral universe; and here we 
must go to discover, to study, to a imire, if our 
highest conceptions are met and gratified. 

And God has not been sparing in giving us ex- 
amples, as illustrative of IJis wisdom, and power 
and skill. The intelligent creation is filled with 
these; glorious models of moral excellence. They 
stand out, in glorious distinctness, to the eye of our 
faith, and to the knowledge of our senses. We see 
these polished peices of moral workmanship; we 
admire their beautiful proportions, and solid sym- 
etry;and feel the talismanic touch of their life-giving 
and inspiring influence. 

God, in the creations of his works of mercy and 
benevolence, has afforded to our world, not a few 
illustrations of the irue dignity and capacity of man, 
in the production and finisii of specimens of hu- 
man character, in which almost every conc(!piion 
of moral beauty and true moral greatness has been 



realized. We say, God, in His matchless displays^ 
has done this under His own superintending control, 
and shaping direction. If God walks ahroad in the 
magnificence of His works, and gives us as the pro- 
duct of his own creation, such innumerable and un- 
rivaled displays of beauty, and taste, and glory; it 
would be impious and an infidel philosophy that 
would deny the same cieating and moulding hand 
in the higher departments of truth, intellect, virtue 
and spiritual religion. If God is banished from the 
htter, by a stonger reason, He must be banished from 
the former. So that the result would be, a universe, 
of matter and mifi(l,of intelligence and moral being 
without a God ; without a creating cause; a conirol- 
ing power 'Ihis would cover the universe in the 
drapery of grj< f, and strike down the pillars that 
hold up the vast creation of God. 

I\o; it is a truth — a truth of sublime interest — a 
truth that blazes out in iorms of radiant brightness 
through the entire moral history <»f man — diat God 
in the impress of Mis majesty; in l\u- burnii g foot- 
steps of His l*rovidence; in the coiitrolinji and sha- 
ping agency of His pow<!r, is seen, is felt, in forms 
ol brilliant intelligence; in the history ol nations; in 
the lives of men, who have risen on the face of hu- 
man society, to shed forth a controling influence 
and to exert a vast commanding power on the fu- 
ture destitiy of the world. 

An admirable writer on this very subject, says: — 
"Shall we not acknowledge^ the hand of God in 
those great m(^n, or in those mighty nations which 
arise, (come forth as it were, from the dust ot the 
earth.) and give a new impulse, a new form, or a 
new de'stiny to human affairs? tShall we not ac- 
knowledge His hand in those b(>rot's who spring up 
amon^ men at appointed times; who display ac-iiviiy 
and energy beypnd the oidinary limits of human 
strength; and around whom, mdividuals and nations 



gather, as if to a superior and mysterious power? 
Who launched them into the expanse of ages, hke 
comets of vast extent and flaming trains, appearing 
at long intervals to scatter the elements of truth, and 
the inliuences of virtue and Ireedom o'er the iiopes 
and destiny of man? Who but God himseli," 

Yes, who but God himself Acknowledge — 
feel this great tact, reader, and you will bow in 
admiration before God in human history; and see 
everywhere, on every page of this world's his- 
tory, new sources of delight — new scenes ot" inter- 
est — nesv evidences of God's existence, and pres- 
ence and special ir'rovidence. 

This is the only key that can unlock the hidden 
mysteries of human lite and history. '1 his is the 
only light that sheds its satisfactory inielligence 
over tiie great track of nations and men ; and by it 
you can iollow in the wondrous pathway of God, 
and behold rising before you in Ibrms of beauty, 
order and greatness, scenes of moral grandeur and 
interest. 

In the history of no nation, perhaps, can you find 
a more striking and interesting illustration that God 
hves and moves in the historic drama ot our world, 
than in our own. Every step is encircled with the 
mysterious presence of God's shaping hand, and 
points with a sublime meaning to His marked and 
wonderful interpositions. 

We cannot particularize. Our entire history, 
from the hour our Pilgrim Fathers planted their 
feet on the rock of Plymouth, and tooli possession 
of this Western World; through its progressing 
state of Colonial dependence; oi improveinem, of 
enterprise, intelligence, population and rising great- 
ness; up to the iiour of that revolution which con- 
summated our National Independence, and broke 
the right arm ot Great Britain's strength; and 
especially, in the preparation for that eventful and 



10 

glorious struggle, and all through its scenes of sur- 
passing interest, could you see and trace the power 
and presence of God, demonstrating, by signal and 
overwhelming evidences, that the shield of a pro- 
tecting God was over us. 

The most skeptical unbeliever in the doctrine'of 
a special and particular Providence over the earth, 
will have his skepticism removed, if with a mind 
candid and open to conviction, he reads the history 
of his own country; especially that of the Revolu- 
tion. The presence of God will meet him on almost 
every page. 

This great fact is seen with luminous distinctness 
in the birth and Me-, in the history and character of 
George Washington, who, by the united affec- 
tions of a grateful nation, has been, as the only in- 
stance in human history, called the Father or his 
Country. 

One hundred and fourteen years have this day 
passed away, since this unrivaledj and admirable 
man was born. In the time of his birth ; in the ju- 
dicious and pious persons who were his natural pa- 
rents; in the early associations of childhood; in the 
manly and practical nature of his elementary edu- 
cation — an education in which the elements of his 
future fame and character were substantially laid — 
we recognize the governing and preserving hand of 
God. j 

This fact distinguished his brilliant career. He 
was, in a special and most striking manner, the child 
of Providence ; raised up, under the special patron- 
age of God for a great mission of good to the hu- 
man familv. The interpositions and arrangements 
of Divine Providence are as conspicuous and mar- 
ked in the life of this illustrious man, from his birth, 
through his ascending greatness, and during his ca- 
reer, as the leader of his country's armies, as in the 
case of Moses, the leader and legislator of the Jews, 



11 

and through them, the legislator of the world. This 
fact — a fact of undeniable notoriety — should lead 
us as a people to ascribe all proper praise and grat- 
itude to God, who has been to our nation, in all its 
eventful history, a pillar of cloud by day, and a pil- 
lar of fire by night. 

In the genius and character of Washington, 
there is a rare and rich assemblage of almost every 
christian and heroic virtue. The moral picture 
rises in beauty and admiration before the world; 
and on that picture there is scarcely a spot to mar, 
in any essential point, the inimitable beauty of the 
whole. He stands amidst the heroes of the world, 
and in the annals of history, like some towering 
column of marble strength, lofty in height, admira- 
ble in symmetry, fair and beautiful in every element 
and proportion; and by these combined exfellen- 
cies, has challenged and foreyer secured the admi- 
ration of all ages. 

The completeness and symmetry of his charac- 
ter, and the genius and universality of his influence 
and name, are two distinguishing and unrivaled 
features in the life and character of Washington, 
He was the impersonated model of truthlulness, of 
moral excellence, of incorruptible integrity, of pas- 
sionate and pure patriotism, of all cardinal virtues; 
and of a piety, based on the truths of revelation, 
unostentatious, yet manly and bold in its develop- 
ments, and great and decisive in its influences. 

This admirable combination of virtues, in their ge- 
nius and influences, became, as a necessary result of 
great excellencies, universal in their extension, and 
powerful in their controling influences. It created 
a new era in the history of moral influences, as 
flowing from the lives and characters of great men. 
It spread, like waves, circling fi'om a common 
centre, till the world has felt the elevating power of 
his example and character. 



12 

Our own country especially, is under the inspi- 
ration and moral power of his name. The whole 
length and breadth of the land feels the controling 
power ot his immortal genius, and breadies in the 
hallowed influences of his character. 

It is not a mere poetic flight, but a fiict, attested 
by our n-^tional histoiy and enterprizc; a fact which 
is reflected back from every historical scene; from 
the very feeling of our individual and national heart; 
that there is a life giving inspiration in the name of 
Washington. 

There is a glorious moral power in all his sub- 
lime acts of devotion to his country and to his God: 
there are bright and blessed influenccs'in the genius 
of his history ; there are hallowed and glorious re- 
membrances, clustering in beauty and patriotic 
recollections all along the pathway of his illustrious 
life; there is a moral enthusiasm and power in his 
character, which has blended its healthful and 
fragrant influences into every part of our nation — 
circulated into every feature of society, and spread 
with Its growing strength, till not only over our own 
nation does he shed a sacred and universal moral 
power; but the world, as if in the presence of some 
divine genius, entranced and spell bound into admi- 
ration, has rendered obeisance and reverence to his 
great name. 

Like the sheaf of Joseph, which stood upright, 
and round it stood the clustering sheaves of his 
brethren in obeisance; so does the upright lofty 
character of Washington rear its bright and con- 
spicuous form, and the world looks, admires, and 
reveres. So that we can realize the language of 
the Poet to be literally true; that we can 



"Walk the earth and hear his name 
Still hymn'd and honored by the grateful voice 
Of human kind; and in his fame rejoice." 



13 

It is a question of vast practical interest and im- 
portance — what was it, and whence came it, that 
this man has wielded such an ui iversal command- 
ing power and influence over our nation and the 
world? 

It came not by chance or enchantment. No 
magic, no meretricious power, no false glitter; no 
investment of audiority, civil or mihtary; no genius 
of dazzHng brilliancy; no learning profound or 
scholastic; no eminent attainments in philosophy or 
literature; no factitious or forced circumstances, 
ever gave to the character and genius and life and 
example of Washington this vast and universal 
admiration and influence. True, some of these 
were the attending facts of his glorious life; and from 
these scenes, the brightness and beauty of his char- 
acter beamed out, in forms of resplfndent glory. — 
But they were not the basis on whicli tiiat match- 
less character was built. That basis was on ele- 
ments more noble, more enduring, more sterling 
and admirable than these. IJis character was 
built on TRUTH, on virtue, and eminently on piety 
— on the glorious doctrines and eternal truths of 
the Bible — the revelation of God to man. This 
was the chief corner stone on which the symmetri- 
cal, beautiful temple of his life and character rested. 
This gave proportion, beauty, solidity to the rising 
superstructure. It was not only the elementary 
foundation, but it was the crowning and finishing 
grace. 

A pyramid cannot stand the rocking convulsions 
of 1 ime, without being based on the most solid 
materials; neither can character either secure the 
perpetuated admiration of ages, or outlive the deso- 
lations of rime, except it is formed and built on the 
strong and everlasting foundation of Christian prin- 
ciples. Tht; intuitive sagacity of this great man's 
intellect perceived this truth, and like a wise mas- 



M 

ter builder, who designed to rear a temple for the 
admiration of all future ages, Washington, in 
childhood and youth; in manhood, in military 
camp, and in the grave councils of civil cat>inets, 
and the administration of civil government, con- 
formed iiis actions, and governed his life, and di- 
rected his brilhant enterprises and achievements, 
under the fear of God, and by the great truths of 
His revelation. 

This, I repeat, is ih°. great substratum or founda- 
tion, on which the pyramid of his character rests, 
and which not only gave a balancing symmetry to 
him, but by it, he has gained the unbought affections 
and eternal admiraiion and reverence of the world* 
Why the vast difference in reference to the affection 
and weight of character, between Washington 
and that of the great Chieftain who moved over the 
face of Europe with such electric, starding power? 
1 mean NapoUon^ who was a cotemporaneous 
hero with Washington. Why is it diat the one 
did actually buiid his fame and character on a vast 
pyramid of human skulls and bones, and the 
mason work was cemented hy human blood; whilst 
the other reared his towering fame and resplendent 
character un the acts of a pure patriotism, and the 
unsolicited afft^ciions of an admiring world? 

Why is it that the character of the one is losing 
— has already lost, to a great extent— its glare and 
power; and notwithstanding the meteoric brilliancy 
of his fame is now losmg its hold on the affections, 
and admiration of the world; whilst the other, like 
the ascending sun, to his meridian glory, has been 
advancing and will forever continue to tKivance in 
his moral pathway of light, of true fame — the glory 
and adiniration of the civilized world? It is not 
in the brilliant achievements; not in the mere great- 
ness of intellect; not in the aaributes of a success- 
ful warrior; not in the adventitious circumstances, 



15 

of life, and the pomp of war; for in all these Buona- 
parte was, perhaps, superior to Washington : hut this 
difference of admiration and perpetuation ol char- 
acter, is the resuii of the one concentratinf*; his vast 
energies to selt-aggrindizement, and self-glory, in- 
dependent of th(! tear of God, o;* of Christian prin- 
ciples; whilst the otiier, under the influences of a 
disinterested christian benevolence, ilevoted his life 
to the cause of his country and C«od, and in that 
consecration and life, built and btautified iiis match- 
less character on the great and lasting truths of the 
Christian religion. 

This is a deeply instructive fact in the history of 
man. Let the world be searched, the annals of all 
time examined; the lives and career of all great 
men be read and studied; and the fact will blaze 
out, in living light from every page, that character 
and fame secured by violence and bloodshed, or 
mere martial achievements, or even by the force of 
unsanctified genius, and dazzling intellectual pow- 
ers, never gains the affections or the lasting admira- 
tion of the world; whilst character, based on truth, 
derived from the genius of the Gosjiel, and built on 
the solid foundation of Christian principles, livesy 
is perpetuated, and grows more resplendent, more 
beautiful, in the lapse of time. 

Why this fact, as standing out in the very front 
pages of all human history? Why is it that Chris- 
tianity has an embalming power; and that when 
men, illustrious in deed form their character on these 
great truths, they are rendered immortal, and in the 
fragrance and attraction of that character, they plant 
themselves in the affections and gratitude and ever- 
lasting memory of mankind. 

This fact is worthy of remembrance, and con- 
veys a lesson of practical wisdom to all; and espe- 
cially to those who wisli to leave behind them a 
character embalmed in the memory and affections 



16 

of man. Verily has God in human history estab- 
lished and confiriiied the iriith ot His vvoni: "77«e 
memory of the. jusl is blessed; but the name of 
the wicked shall rot.'''' 

These elements of<haracter were very early, as 
you all know, implanted in the heart ol him whose 
virtue?^ this day commenioiates. Mary, the moth- 
er of Washington — it ought to be repeated, and 
engraven on the heart of every mother in the land 
— instructed him uidi christian fidelity in the truths 
of the Bible; and by licr pious example, allured 
her son into paths of religion and virtue. What a 
chain of great events was suspended on her fidelity! 
What brilliant results, and vast moral influences, 
were wrapped op in those germs, planted by a moth- 
er's prayers. Well has it been said that, '■•to achieve 
great restdls by small impe'rceptible means, is the 
late of Divine deall>!gsy 'V\\x\ seed, deposited in 
the heart of the chihl, and nurture I by the dews of 
heaven, drawn down from the clouds of Divine 
mercy, by a mother's prayers, will germinat<% grow, 
and start out influences, that will move and mould, 
with majestic power, the destiny of a world. 

Thus it was in this illustrious instance. God, in- 
stead of committing this child of providence and 
renown, to an irreligious or an infidel mother, took 
care that tlie sacred trust should be given to a 
woman of christian principles, ^he was lailhful to 
her trust, as all history testifies; and, as the result, 
the world was permitted to see and admire a chris- 
tian hero, a christian patriot, and a christian states- 
man. 

These great elementary principles "grew with 
his growth, and strengthened with his stn^ngth." — 
In childhood and youth, the christian virtues, em- 
enating from christian principles, were opj n!y con- 
spicuous. At the age of thirteen, with a sagacity 
and practical wisdom, uncommon for his years, he 



17 

wrote out more than one' hundred rules or princi- 
ples, which he resolved should govern him in his 
life and model his character. A few of these I 
shall quote in his own language : 

"•^ Associate yourself with men oj good quality; 
for it is better to he alone than in bad compa- 
nyy Thus acting on the express law of Christiani- 
ty, that ''evil communications corrupt good man- 
ners." 

"jBf not hasty to believe fli)ins[ reports to the 
dispriragement of any,''^ 1 hus in harmony with 
God's word, "to speak evil of no man." 

'"'■Be carefid to keep all your promises.'''' Thus 
sanctioning this enjoined virtue of Christianity. 

''''Let your recreations be manly^ and not sin- 
juV '] hus acting on that safe and expressed stat- 
ute of the Bible: "Abstain from all appearance of 
evil." 

"Z^&or to heep alivr. in your heart, [that little 
sparh oJ cdestial fire, called conscience.''^ Thus 
cultivating a tender sense! of right and wrong, a 
great law of christian ethics, and the moral regula- 
tor in the moral constitution of man, 

" When you speak of God, or his attribute s, let 
it be seriously and in reverence.'''' This rule 
strikes at the impious practice of profanity, and cul- 
tivates in the heart and life, an adoring revercLce 
for the sacred and glorious character ofGod,'which 
is the genius and positive teachings of chrisjianity. 

Thus early did Washington quarry from the 
rocks of eternal truth, these solid and polished 
stones of christian virtues, and on them build his fu- 
ture character; and most nobly did his life accord 
with these virtues, as it was developd in the pro- 
gress of his sublime mission. 

His character was not only based on christian 
principles ; but during his illustrious career — in ev- 
ery stage of his eventful history —he avowed his 



18 

belief in them and acted on them as the only true 
principles of action. These great doctrines and 
eternal principles, the source ot all true excellence, 
all moral greatness, were his shield of protection, 
his bulwark of moral defence, his only reliance in 
the hour of danger. 

There is a growing system of infidel philosophy, 
now prevalent in our own nation, that would ban- 
ish God and his government, and his providence 
from our national history, and sweep us out from 
the influences and protecting fegis of Christianity. 
If there was one thought more abhorent to the 
so'il of this great man than another, it was this. — 
If there was one great truth which he believed more 
firmly than another, it was the truth that God had 
been as a wall of fire around us as a nation, and 
from impending storms had delivered us; and that 
Christianity, in her purity, in her conservative moral 
influences — that the Bible, as the repository of hu- 
man hopes, and the great bulwark of permanent 
safety, was indispensable, and absolutely essential 
to our perpetuity and prosperity as a nation. His 
faith in a particular Providence was strong; and 
the signal and special interpositions of that Provi- 
dence, during our struggle lor civil liberty, and his 
own protection, penetrated him with the deepest 
sensations, and most profound reverence. 

In the defeat which ended m the death "of Brad- 
dock, and gave the command to Washingtoiv, then 
in his twenty-fourth yeiir, Washingtc/n wrote, "By 
the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have 
been protected beyond all human probability or 
exj)ectation; for I had four balls through my coat, 
and two horses siiot under me; yet 1 escaped un- 
hurt, although death was leveling my companions 
on every side of me." 

Again, in regard to the events and results of the 
Revolutionary War, he writes; "The hand of Prov- 



19 

idence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he 
must be worse than an infidel^ ar more than wick- 
ed^ that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge 
his obligations." 

Again, in the fulness of a christian's heart and 
faith, he says: '-We have abundant reason to thank 
Providence for its favorable interpositions on our 
behalf. It has at times been my only dependence, 
for all other resources seemed to fail us." 

Long after the War, in a letter to Gen. Arm- 
strong, he wrote: "I am sure there never was a peo- 
ple who had more reason to acknowledge a Divme 
interposition in their affairs than those of the Uni- 
ted States; and I should be pained to believe that 
they had forgotten that agency, which was so often 
manifested during our Revolution, or that they fail- 
ed to consider the Omnipotence of that God who 
alone is able to protect ihem." 

The war closed in a brilliant victory over 
Lord Cornwallis, at Yorktown; and what was the 
conduct of our christian hero? Ye infidel and Bi- 
ble hating Statesmen and citizens, listen. Immedi- 
ately Washington issued the following orders: — 
"Divine service is to be performed to morrow in 
the several brigades and divisions. The Comman- 
der-in-Chief earnestly recommends that the troops 
not on duty should universally attend, with that 
seriousness of deportment, and gratitude of heart, 
which the recognition of such reiterated and 
astonishing interpositions of Providence demand 
Jrom us." 

These are'the sentiments of a christian heart, 
and the action of christian principles. This great 
man bowed before the presence of his God, and 
with an overflowing heart, felt, acknowledged, that 
it was the God of nations and of battles that 
wrought for us our brilliant achievements. 



20 

There is, as we are taught by our Divine system 
of Christianity, a mysterious, yet distinct connection 
between the interpositions of God's Providence and 
prayer, 'i his is a sublime truth of Christianity. — 
As a Cliristian, Washington was a manofpiayer. 
It is said that it was his habit, ail his hfe, to retire 
every day to hold communion with God. History 
records, as a matter of fact, that this great man — 
great and good in all human and christian virtues 
— during our great struggle for independence and 
freedom ; whilst our very existence as a nation was 
suspended in perilous uncertainty, would retire 
from the camp; seek a solitary shade in the woods, 
and there prosirate hunself before God, and in 
prayer pour out his soul that the Lord of Hosts 
would give success to the arms of his country, and 
crown his efforts, and those of his co-patriots, with 
the blessings of liberty. 

During the winter of 1 777-78, a winter of unu- 
sual severity, the American army was encamped 
at Valley Forge. Near it was a deep, silent seclu- 
ded grove. To this lonely retreat he would often 
resort; and so often that it excited the curiosity of 
some in the neighboihood. They followed Wash- 
ington to this secret spot; saw him fall on his knees 
in prayer, and pour out his christian soul into the 
ear of that God who finally, in answer to prayer, led 
our armies to victory and to peace. 

God is a God who hears and answers prayer. — 
In that great chain of events, which, from the lal- 
hng of a sparrow to the birth and greatness of a 
nation, are all eternally linked with the Providence 
of God, we may well conclude that the prayers 
of Washington had a vast influence in the achieve- 
ment of our civil and religious blessings and liber- 
ties. How interesting the fact, that the great tem- 
ple of hberty was reared under the influence of 
prayer, and that our subhme struggle was inl used 



21 

with the life-giving breath of communion with 
God. 

A practical recognition of the Providence of 
God, with heart felt prayer, would naturally lead to 
the regular worship of God; without which, no sal- 
utary influences can be exerted on human society. 
The mind of this great man was profoundly pene- 
trated with the necessity and importance of the pub- 
lic worship of God, and to the iSanctuary he repair- 
ed on the holy Sabbath to listen to the instructions 
of God's appointed ministers. He built on his own 
estate a church dedicated to the worship of the 
Triune Jehovah, and regularly paid his vows in the 
courts of the Lord's house, as a willing worshipper. 
It was his uniform practice, during the Revolution- 
ary War, when his duties would permit; always to 
visit the house of God, and worship with the great 
congregation. For a considerable period during 
the war, as history tells us, did this great man ride 
ten and twelve miles for the express ot)ject of ren- 
dering worship to God. 

A lady in this village, whose mother, at the time, 
lived in Princeton, New Jersey, informs me that 
her mother has often told her that Washingtc/n, 
during his sojourn in that town, in the Revolution- 
ary War, was in the habit of attending the public 
worship of God, then held in private houses; and 
often when the room was crowded, would take his 
seat on the door steps, whilst his wile sat on the foot 
of the bed, and there listen to the glorious gospel. — 
Admirable example! What a rebuke does the 
conduct of Washington give to the strange incon- 
sistency of many who say, perhaps, they are believ- 
ers in Christianity; wish well to the churches of 
Christ; but who against the teachings of nature — 
against reason — against the positive commands of 
God, and against the well being of society; refuse, 
or neglect the public worship of God. O, my 



22 

countrymen, absenters from the churches of the liv- 
ing God, go and learn a lesson from the Father of 
HIS Country, and henceforth imitate his noble ex- 
ample. 

It gives me great pleasure to record the fact that 
Washington was a member of a christian evangel- 
ical church ; a church in which all the distinguishing 
doctrines of grace are held, and the ordinances of 
Christ's house are regularly administered. These 
ordinances he observed, even during the stormy 
period of the Revolution. 

Whilst the American army was encamped at 
Morristown, it so happened that the communion 
season was held in the Presbyterian church. Wash- 
ington repaired on a certain morning, previous to 
the Sabbath, to the house of the Pastor, and said: 

"Doctor," (who was the Key. Doctor Jones) "I 
understand that the Lord's Supper is to he celebra- 
ted with you next Sunday. I would learn if it ac- 
cords with the canons of your Church to admit 
communicants of another church." The Pastor 
rejoined: "Most certainly — ours is not the Presby- 
terian table, General, but the Lord's table, and hence 
we give the Lord's invitation to all his followers, of 
whatever name." The General replied: "I am glad 
of it: that is as it ought to be; but as I was not quite 
sure of the fact, I thought I would ascertain it trom 
yourself, as I propose to join with you on that occa- 
sion. Though a member of the Church of Ens;- 
land, I have no exclusive partialilies y 

The following Sabbath saw the sublime sight of 
this Chieftain sitting with his brethren, commemo- 
rating tlie dying love of their common Redeemer. 
]So exclusive partialities! This is the sweet 
spirit of Christianity. It is the spirit of Christ him- 
self. It is the expansive benevolence of the Gos- 
pel. It is the great and glorious law which binds 
the whole brotherhood of christians who hold the 



33 

fundamental doctrines of the Cross, in their purity 
and truth, in the cementing bonds of christian unity 
and harmony; and it is a matter of rejoicing that 
the weight of Washington's name gives sanction 
and influence to this benevolent law of Christianity ; 
which at the present time is exerting its command- 
ing, uniting power over all Christendom. 

As a Statesman, he acted on the great principles 
of Christianity. His letters and State papers are 
fragrant with the genius of God's system of revela- 
tion; and it was his dehght and custom to call the 
Bible the "pure and benign light of revelation," and 
urged the practice of "that charity, humility, and 
pacific temper of mind, which were the true char- 
acteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed reli- 
gion." The comprehensive genius and penetra- 
ting sagacity of his far reaching intellect saw, as if 
by intuition, the relations which Christianity sus- 
tained to popular intelligence and knowledge; to 
public virtue, and to the rights and liberties of man. 

There ought to be no skepti'^ism on this subject; 
involving, as it does, the life of our Republic, and the 
perpetuation of our civil blessings. There is no 
fact demonstrated with more overwhelming evi- 
dence in the history of nations; than that, Christiani- 
ty, in its purity and moral influences, is essential to 
the growth, and prosperity, and perpetuation of all 
civil governments- It gives stability to government 
— expansion to enterprise —development to intel- 
lect, and force to virtue; power and action to public 
conscience; authority and sanction to law, and a 
healthy infusion of moral strength to the body pol- 
itic, if this is the great charter ot a nation's lib- 
erty, and the basis of her institutions, she is safe. — 
She may defy the insurrectionary storms of passion, 
and hold by the conservative power and attractions 
of Christianity, the vast and palpitating heart of the 
public in subjection to law and order. With this 



34 

we may launch forth into the great deeps of national 
action, and through every terrific storm, outride 
the waves of public disorder. Without ttie Bible, 
the storm unchained and unresisted, in deep and 
dismal violence, will come, and roll, and dash 
against our Ship of State, and make, ultimately, a 
full and fearful shipwreck of all our hopes and insti- 
tutions. 

In consideration of this great truth, Washingtoiv, 
with a prophetic wisdom; and in language which 
ought to be stereotyped and hung up before the eye 
of all our politicians, and all our countrymen, said: 
'•Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to po- 
litical prosperity, religion and morality are indis- 
pensable supports. In vain would that man claim 
the tribute of patriotism, who should labor tosubvert 
these great pillars of human happiness, these j^rm- 
est props ot the duties of men and citizens. The 
mers politician, with the pious man, ought to respect 
and cherish them. A volume could not trace all 
their connections with private and public felicity." 

Let the present generation ofpolidcians, many of 
whom seem anxious to convert our nation and gov- 
ernment into an infidel government, go and study 
the lessons of christian truth, illustrated in the life, 
and given as the farewell counsel to his country- 
men by the Father of his Country; and know 
that only by an adherence to these christian princi- 
ples, can our free institutions be forever perpetuated, 
and our Union be one and inseparable. 

The character of this great man is complete- It 
is no exaggeration to say that this completeness 
was formed by the genius of the christian rtligion. 
It balanced his character in admirable syfnmeiry, 
and blended it with the mingled beauties of all the 
rich and sublime virtues. These virtues he deri- 
ved from Christianity, They gave authority to his 
name; veneration to his character; confidence to 



25 

his acts; universal influence to his genius; and pre- 
sents him before the world as the illustrious and 
unsurpassed model of humanity. 

To adopt the language ot Cowper, ihe christian 
poet, with a slight alteration, it was this 

''That clothes him with authority and awe: 
Speaks from his lips and in his looks gives law. 
His speech, his form, his action full of grace 
And christian truth, all beaming in his face. 

With this analysis of the character of this chris- 
tian citizen, sage, statesman, and warrior, survey 
for a moment, the rapid and brilliant achievements 
that have taken place on the field of human action, 
since the world felt the power of his example and 
life. Cast your eye over the political, moral, intel- 
lectual and religious map of the world, and behold 
the progressive improvements made in the science 
of human happiness. 

In the science of civil government, there has been, 
since Washington shed his influence over the world, 
a vast increase of light and knowledge. This diffi- 
cult branch of human study, and source of nation- 
al and individual happiness, has been investigated 
by the light of a truer philosophy; and every where 
among the civilized nations of the earth, there is a 
tendency to fashion Governments to the true princi- 
ples of rational freedom which will develope 
genius, enterprize, and every element of national 
greatness. We know that much is yet to be ac- 
complished. The governments of Europe are yet 
to be materially modified, if not revolutionized; yet 
it cannot be doubted but that every European Gov- 
erment has felt the influence of that new light shed 
forth by our own unrivaled form of government. 
And the day is hastening onward when the millions, 
crushed by the iron heel of Despotism shall rise to 
the enjoyment of a government founded on the 
great principles of equal justice. Everywhere there 



26 

is a strong tendency to the diffusion and equaliza- 
tion ot civil rights and privileges. 

The rights of man, in our own, and in all coun- 
tries, have been better understood, and more thor- 
oughly discussed, since the day that Washington 
appeared on the theatre ot human action. Light 
has been shed on this great subject. The signs of 
the times, with brilliant distinctness, indicate that 
every man, created in the image of God, shall, by 
the genius and teachings of Washington, and his 
co-patriots in the cause of liberty, soon be disen- 
thralled, and vested with all the attributes and rights 
of man — recognized in the dignity and greatness of 
his personal manhood. 

Behold the moral and intellectual achievements 
of our nation and the world. Only a little more 
than a century has passed since the birth of Wasii- 
ington; and how surprisingly grand have been the 
progression and brilliant results of those cnterprizes 
which pour out influences to expand and elevate in- 
tellect, and to enrich the moral nature of man, and 
fertilize the unfruitful moral wastes of earth. The 
science of education — its importance and bearing 
on the destinies of the human race — has been pro- 
foundly studied, and vastly advanced. Moral cn- 
terprizes, which lay their benevolent influences on 
every form of human misery, have started into ex- 
istence under the genius of Christianity, and lifted 
up millions of the human family to the pursuits and 
dignity of elevated and rational intelligences. 

Among these clustering enterprizes rises, in lofty 
grandeur and moral beauty, the great Temperance 
Reformation, which now is forever identified with, 
and canonized by the name of Washington; and 
which has already redeemed six millions of true 
hearted Irishmen, and soon will lead the fifty mil- 
lions of Great Britain and the United States to uni- 
versal triumph; showing to the world the most 



27 

splendid victory ever achieved on its fields of moral 
battle. 

And in the century which has passed since Wash- 
ington was born, how glorious and rapid and sub- 
lime have been the progression and bloodless tri- 
umphs of the Prince of Peace. His banner waves 
in meek and rejoicing folds over every nation and 
Isle of the ocean, holding out to the world the pros- 
pects of an universal reign of peace, and virtue, and 
religion. Christianity and her institutions; die Bi- 
ble, with its hopes and promises, has travelled 
round the globe, and scattered down on the world 
its unsought, yet rich and heavenly blessings. 

In our own land and nation, every element of 
enterprize and prosperity, has been largely de- 
veloped. We have advanced with unparaleled ra- 
pidity in population, in wealth, in literature, in en- 
terprize; in all that goes to constitute a great and 
powerful nation; and we are now passing with a gi- 
ant's strength in the great pathway of national fame; 
and unless struck down by the God of nations, on 
account of our national sins, we shall, in less than 
a half century more, reach the very zenith of na- 
tional greatness. 

In all these vast achievements, we say it in all 
humility, this nation has led the van, and been 
the pioneer; and that, in the production and infu- 
sion of this spirit — a spirit which may be called the 
spirit of American Christian Institutions — the life 
and history, the genius and character of Washing- 
ton, has been the chief instrumentality. His breath 
has given inspiration, life, action, growth, and tri- 
umph to them all. 

Shall we now be arrested? Shall the bright 
hopes of our own nation, and of a down trodden 
world, be now disappointed? Let our Kulers real- 
ize their positions. Their responsibilities are full 
of tremendous peril! Let us, with earnest and de- 



28 

vout prayer, invoke the Supreme Ruler of the Uni- 
verse to guide once more the Ship of State through 
the impending storm ; to beseech God to give our 
Rulers the spirit of peace. This was eminently the 
spirit of Washington, and is the very genius of Chris- 
tianity. He says: "Cultivate peace and harmony 
with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct." 
The war spirit seems, to the peril of our nation, 
now to be in the ascendency. Shall it prevail? — 
Shall it plunge us into a war, in which but little is 
to be gained and much to be lost? It it comes, it 
will come with a desolation unequaled in the his- 
tory of nations. It will sink hundreds of millions 
for our nation; it will cripple our commrce, which 
now floats on every sea; it will strike vvith paralysis 
every department of trade and business; it will stop, 
as if by the hand of Omnipotence, every great en- 
terprize, now in the successful tide of operation ; it 
will throw us back as a nation, in the race of great- 
ness, for ages ; it will render inoperative, and com- 
paratively unfruitful,' our schemes of education, the 
glory of our land; it will cut short the advancing 
achievements of our moral enterprizes; it will roU 
the floods ot irreligion and vice, like vast troub- 
led oceans, over the length and breadth of our land ; 
it will sweep from us tens of thousands of valuable 
citizens, and hang the emblems of grief and death 
in as many families; it will break up our Missionary 
eflforts, and retard, for a long period, the work of 
this world's redemption; it will ^^ vastly diminish the 
influence we are now exerting on the political and 
moral destiny of the globe; and, as if by some dark 
and fatal power, it will roll back the tide of all pres- 
ent improvements, and the present bright prospects 
of the world, for ages and centuries. 

O, better that Oregon should be lost„to us forev- 
er, than we should go to war for such a territory. — 
The opinion of a civilized world, and the infallible 



29 

judgment of the God of nations would be against 
botFi Great Britain and us, if two such enlightened 
and christian nations should now rush into war. — 
All national differences ought to be settled by an 
enlightened arbitration. The genius of the age; the 
dictates of humanity and phihnthrophy; the inter- 
ests of civilization, and the principles of Christianity, 
all demand that nations should learn war no more, 
and that all points of national dispute should be 
settled by negotiation and arbitration. 

Thou God of our nation! Thou who hast stood by 
us in all our perils, and interposed for our deliver- 
ance. Thou who didst lead us through the fiery 
furnace of the Revolution, come once more, we be- 
seech Thee, to our rescue, and guide the delibera- 
tions of those two great empires to a peace forever 
to be perpetuated. 

Countrymen of Washington ! follow in the foot- 
steps of your illustrious and world honored Hero 
and Statesman- Cultivate in your heart-;, and in 
those of your children, the benign spirit of Christian- 
ity, which is the spirit of peace, ol true liberty, order, 
virtue, enterprize and prosperity. This, and this 
alone, can save us as a nation. 'I'his will render 
our Union forever safe; roll us on in the pathway of 
national greatness, and secure to us the continued 
smiles and protection of that God who hath hither- 
to been our shield and safe reliance. 

Study — imitate the character and example of 
Washington. They, with his teachings of practi- 
cal wisdom and christian truth, most admirably har- 
monize with the prosperity and perpetuity of our 
nation. Let your character and life, and those of 
your children be modeled after him, whose mem- 
ory will be held in everlasting remembrance; and 
who, after a life devoted to his country, died in the 
hope ot a glorious immortality. That hope is im- 
pressively and beautifully expressed by the sublime 



30 

doctrine of Christianity, uttered by its Great Foun^ 
der and Teaciier, "I am the resurrection and 
THE LIFE," which is the Epitaph on the tomb of 
Washington, at Mount Vernon; and to which a 
distinguished foreigner recently repaired, and paid 
the following true and noble tribute: 

"WASHINGTON, 

The_brave, the wise, the good: 
" WASHINGTON, 
Supreme in war, in council and in'peace: 
WASHINGTON, 
Vahant without ambition, discreet without*fear. 
And confident without presumption: 
WASHINGTON, 
In disaster calm : in success moderate ; in all himself, 
WASHINGTON, 
The hero, the patriot, the christian: 
The father of nations, the friend b of mankind; 
Who, 
When he had won all, renounced all; 
And sought. 
In the bosom of his family and of nature, 
Retirement; 
And in the hope of Religion, 
IMMORTALITY," 



J 



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